Darrell Bevell
Darrell Bevell is an American football coach serving as the quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL).[1] A former standout quarterback at the University of Wisconsin, where he earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in 1993, served as team captain and MVP in 1995, and concluded his college career as the Badgers' all-time leader in passing yards, completions, and completion percentage (7,686 yards),[2][1] Bevell transitioned into coaching after brief stints at smaller colleges.[1] Bevell began his NFL coaching career in 2000 as an offensive assistant and quality control coach for the Green Bay Packers, rising to quarterbacks coach in 2003.[3] He later served as offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings from 2006 to 2010, where he worked with Pro Bowl quarterback Brett Favre; the Seattle Seahawks from 2011 to 2017, contributing to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory over the Denver Broncos and mentoring Russell Wilson; the Detroit Lions from 2019 to 2020, including a stint as interim head coach for the final three games of the 2020 season; and the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021, again serving as interim head coach for the last two games while developing Trevor Lawrence.[3] Throughout his career, Bevell has coached multiple Pro Bowl quarterbacks, including Matthew Stafford during his time with the Lions.[3] Since joining the Dolphins in 2022 for his 22nd NFL season, Bevell has played a key role in elevating quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's performance, helping him lead the league in passer rating (105.5) in 2022—the highest by a Dolphin since Dan Marino in 1984—and in passing yards (4,624) with a franchise-record 69.3% completion rate in 2023, earning a Pro Bowl selection, and in 2024, with 2,867 passing yards and 19 touchdowns in 11 games.[3][4] In 2025, his 29th year overall in coaching, Bevell brings expertise in quarterback development and pass-game schemes to Miami's offense under head coach Mike McDaniel.[1]Early life and playing career
Early life and high school
Darrell Bevell was born on January 6, 1970, in Yuma, Arizona.[5] He grew up in the Phoenix metropolitan area, primarily in Scottsdale, where his family settled and his father, Jim Bevell, pursued a long career coaching high school football across various schools in the region.[6] The Bevell family, which included eight children, emphasized athletic involvement, with Jim and his wife Donna instilling a strong passion for sports from an early age.[6] Bevell attended Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, where he played quarterback under his father, who served as the team's head coach.[7] As a standout player, he earned all-city honors as a sophomore and junior, and over his high school career, he threw for more than 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns, leading Chaparral to the Arizona state semifinals in 1987.[8][7] His father's coaching guidance played a pivotal role in shaping Bevell's early interest in football, fostering not only his skills as a player but also his foundational understanding of the game and its strategies.[9] After graduating from Chaparral, Bevell initially enrolled at Northern Arizona University, where he redshirted as a freshman quarterback.[7] His original preference had been the University of Wisconsin, but after redshirting at NAU and completing a two-year Mormon mission in Ohio, he transferred to Wisconsin upon his return.[8] This move marked the beginning of deeper family connections to Wisconsin through his collegiate and later professional experiences in the state.[10]College playing career
Bevell began his college football career at Northern Arizona University, where he redshirted as a freshman quarterback in 1988.[11] He transferred to the University of Wisconsin in 1991, initially serving as a backup before emerging as the starting quarterback for the Badgers from 1992 to 1995.[12] Over his four seasons as a starter, Bevell appeared in 43 games, completing 646 passes for 7,686 yards, 59 touchdowns, and 37 interceptions, while also contributing on the ground with notable rushing efforts.[3] In the 1993 season, Bevell led Wisconsin to a 10-1-1 record and a share of the Big Ten co-championship, the program's first title since 1962.[3] He threw for 2,390 yards and 19 touchdowns that year, including a key performance in a 13-10 upset victory over No. 8 Michigan at Camp Randall Stadium, where his precise passing helped secure the win against a national title contender.[12][13] The season culminated in Wisconsin's first Rose Bowl appearance since 1963, where Bevell orchestrated a 21-16 victory over UCLA, highlighted by his improvised 21-yard "Run to the Rose Bowl" touchdown scamper in the third quarter that shifted momentum and sealed the Badgers' first bowl win in 31 years.[14] As a senior in 1995, Bevell served as team captain and MVP, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors while demonstrating leadership that foreshadowed his future in coaching.[2] He finished his Wisconsin career holding multiple school records, including for passing yards (7,686), completions (646), and completion percentage, and was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, underscoring his intellectual approach to the game. These records stood as of 2025.[15][3] Following graduation, Bevell went undrafted in the 1996 NFL Draft and attended brief professional tryouts, but unsuccessful pursuits led him toward coaching.[16]Coaching career
College coaching positions
Bevell began his coaching career in 1996 at Westmar College in Le Mars, Iowa, where he served as quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator under head coach Jeff Menage.[17][18] This role marked his entry into coaching shortly after going undrafted in the 1996 NFL Draft following a standout college playing career as a quarterback at the University of Wisconsin, which motivated his focus on quarterback development.[6] At the small NAIA program, Bevell helped tailor basic offensive schemes to limited resources, though the team struggled with a 3-7 record amid broader institutional challenges that led to Westmar's closure the following year.[16][19] In 1997, Bevell moved to Iowa State University as a graduate assistant, working primarily with the offensive staff under head coach Dan McCarney.[17] This position allowed him to gain experience in a Division I program, contributing to foundational offensive preparations while pursuing further education, though specific individual impacts remain undocumented in available records.[20] Bevell's roles at smaller programs culminated in 1998 and 1999 at the University of Connecticut, where he coached wide receivers for head coach Randy Edsall in the program's transition to NCAA Division I-AA independence.[17] During the 1998 season, the Huskies achieved a 10-3 record, advanced to the NCAA Division I-AA quarterfinals, and set a school record with 461 points scored, reflecting improved offensive efficiency including a balanced passing attack led by quarterback Shane Stafford, who threw for over 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns.[1] Bevell worked with key receivers such as Corris Kidd, who recorded 52 receptions for 865 yards and 10 touchdowns, contributing to the unit's development in a run-heavy scheme adapted for emerging talent.[16] The 1999 season saw a dip to 4-7, but Bevell's experience honing passing concepts at resource-constrained levels—facing challenges like recruiting limitations and facility constraints—solidified his reputation and paved the way for his NFL transition in 2000 as an assistant quarterbacks coach with the Green Bay Packers.[21][20]Green Bay Packers
Bevell joined the Green Bay Packers in 2000 as an offensive assistant and quality control coach under head coach Mike Sherman, marking his entry into the NFL after several college coaching roles.[1] In this initial position, he contributed to film breakdown, scouting opposing defenses, and playbook preparation, while gaining hands-on experience with the team's quarterbacks, including future Hall of Famer Brett Favre.[16] The Packers operated a West Coast offense under Sherman, emphasizing short passes, timing routes, and play-action to complement a strong running game led by Ahman Green.[22] Bevell's direct involvement with Favre intensified after his promotion to quarterbacks coach in 2003, where he focused on refining the veteran's mechanics, decision-making, and adaptations within the West Coast scheme.[23] Under Bevell's guidance, Favre earned Pro Bowl selections in 2001, 2002, and 2003, showcasing consistent excellence with completion percentages above 60% and leading the NFL in passing touchdowns in 2003.[24] Bevell collaborated closely with offensive coordinator Tom Rossley on game planning and quarterback development, helping integrate Favre's improvisational style into structured protections and route concepts.[23] During Bevell's tenure from 2000 to 2005, the Packers made the playoffs four consecutive years from 2001 to 2004, advancing to the divisional round each time, with Favre throwing for over 3,300 yards in three of those seasons.[25] The team's passing attack ranked between 10th and 17th in the NFL in total yards during this period, exemplified by a 10th-place finish in 2001 with 3,995 yards, supporting a balanced offense that averaged 24.5 points per game from 2003 to 2004. Bevell also mentored rookie Aaron Rodgers in 2005, assigning him tasks like charting Favre's footwork to prepare for the system's nuances.[26] Bevell departed Green Bay following the 2005 season, a 4-12 campaign that ended with Sherman's firing on January 2, 2006, after the coach-general manager's dual role led to organizational changes under new GM Ted Thompson.[27]Minnesota Vikings
Darrell Bevell joined the Minnesota Vikings as offensive coordinator in 2006, selected by new head coach Brad Childress, with whom he had collaborated in Philadelphia on Andy Reid's staff.[28] During his initial years, Bevell developed young quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, who started nine games in 2006 and several in 2007, while also managing veteran Gus Frerotte, who led the team to 10 wins in 2008 by starting 10 games.[29] Under Bevell's coordination, the Vikings' offense emphasized a strong rushing attack, ranking first in rushing yards in 2007 and fifth in 2008, contributing to NFC North titles in both seasons.[30][31] In 2009, Bevell orchestrated a reunion with Brett Favre, his former quarterback from the Green Bay Packers, where Bevell had served as quarterbacks coach from 2003 to 2005.[32] Favre's arrival transformed the offense, leading to a 12-4 regular-season record, the NFC North crown, and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game, where the Vikings fell 31-28 in overtime to the New Orleans Saints.[33] Favre earned NFL MVP honors that year, throwing for 4,202 yards and 28 touchdowns, while the Vikings ranked second in the league in scoring with 470 points and tenth in total yards. Bevell's play-calling adapted effectively to Favre's experience, balancing deep passes to receivers like Sidney Rice with runs from Adrian Peterson to fuel the unit's success.[33] The 2010 season brought challenges, as injuries and internal tensions hampered the offense, which ranked 29th in scoring with 281 points despite a tenth-place finish in rushing yards.[34] Favre started all 13 games he played before retiring midseason, but the team stumbled to a 3-7 record under Childress, leading to the head coach's firing on November 22.[35] Bevell was not retained after the season, ending his Vikings tenure following a 6-10 finish under interim coach Leslie Frazier.[34]Seattle Seahawks
Darrell Bevell was hired as the Seattle Seahawks' offensive coordinator on January 20, 2011, by head coach Pete Carroll to replace Jeremy Bates.[36] Bevell, who had previously served as offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, brought experience in designing balanced attacks that emphasized play-action passing and a strong running game. Bevell played a pivotal role in the development of quarterback Russell Wilson after the Seahawks selected him in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Under Bevell's guidance, Wilson quickly emerged as a franchise cornerstone, leading Seattle to a 65-30-1 regular-season record and an 8-4 playoff mark during Bevell's tenure, including back-to-back Super Bowl appearances. Wilson's progression included nine Pro Bowl selections, with his early years under Bevell marking his rise as an MVP contender, highlighted by his 2015 season where he threw for 4,024 yards and 34 touchdowns while earning second-team All-Pro honors. Bevell tailored the offense to Wilson's mobility and quick release, integrating bootlegs and read-option elements that maximized his improvisational skills.[37] Bevell's offense complemented the Seahawks' dominant "Legion of Boom" defense during the 2013 and 2014 seasons, contributing to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory over the Denver Broncos by a score of 43-8 following the 2013 campaign. In that Super Bowl, Seattle's offense scored on four of five possessions, with Wilson throwing for 206 yards and two touchdowns while Marshawn Lynch rushed for 102 yards, showcasing Bevell's balanced scheme that ranked the team 10th in total yards (361.0 per game) during the regular season. The following year, after a 12-4 regular season where the offense averaged 28.4 points per game (seventh in the NFL), Seattle advanced to Super Bowl XLIX but fell 28-24 to the New England Patriots.[38][39] A defining moment in Bevell's Seahawks tenure came in Super Bowl XLIX, when on second-and-goal from the 1-yard line with 26 seconds remaining and leading 24-28, he called for a pass play instead of handing off to running back Marshawn Lynch. The play—a slant route to wide receiver Jermaine Kearse—resulted in an interception by New England defensive back Malcolm Butler, sealing the Patriots' victory and costing Seattle a repeat championship. Bevell later explained the decision was influenced by the need to manage the clock and exploit perceived defensive alignments, noting that the Seahawks had success passing from the goal line earlier in the game and that Lynch's fumble risk in short-yardage situations factored in. The call drew widespread criticism for defying conventional wisdom and underutilizing Lynch's proven goal-line effectiveness (he had 10 rushing touchdowns from inside the 1-yard line that season), significantly tarnishing Bevell's reputation as a play-caller despite his prior successes and contributing to ongoing scrutiny of his aggressive tendencies in high-stakes moments.[40][41] By the 2017 season, Bevell's offense showed signs of stagnation, exacerbated by injuries to key players including Wilson (who dealt with a high ankle sprain and finger injury) and a reshuffled offensive line that allowed 43 sacks (third-most in the NFL). Seattle finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs, with the offense ranking 17th in points per game (21.1) and 14th in efficiency metrics despite Wilson's 3,983 passing yards and 34 touchdowns. Bevell attempted adaptations like increased shotgun formations (up to 68% of snaps) and more designed runs for Wilson, but the unit struggled with red-zone efficiency (48.4% touchdown rate, 20th in the league) and failed to evolve beyond its core principles amid personnel turnover. On January 10, 2018, the Seahawks fired Bevell after seven seasons, citing the need for a fresh offensive identity following a 4-4 stretch to end the year.[42][43][44]Detroit Lions
On November 28, 2020, following a 4-7 start to the season, the Detroit Lions fired head coach Matt Patricia and promoted offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell to interim head coach for the remaining five games.[45] Bevell, who had served as the Lions' offensive coordinator since 2019, compiled a 1-4 record during his stint, with the team earning a victory in his debut but falling short in the other contests.[46] He missed the Week 16 matchup due to COVID-19 protocols after being deemed a high-risk close contact, with wide receivers coach Robert Prince stepping in as interim for that game.[47] Bevell's games as interim head coach are summarized below, including points scored and allowed:| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Score (Lions - Opponent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Dec 6 | @ Chicago Bears | W | 34-30 |
| 14 | Dec 13 | vs. Green Bay Packers | L | 24-31 |
| 15 | Dec 20 | @ Tennessee Titans | L | 25-46 |
| 16 | Dec 26 | vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | L | 7-47 |
| 17 | Jan 3 | vs. Minnesota Vikings | L | 35-37 |
Jacksonville Jaguars
Following Urban Meyer's firing on December 16, 2021, after a 2-11 start to the season, offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell was promoted to interim head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars' final four games.[54] Bevell, who had joined the team as offensive coordinator earlier that year, aimed to stabilize the squad amid a tumultuous campaign marked by low scoring output and defensive vulnerabilities. His tenure focused on fostering team unity and supporting rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 overall pick, by emphasizing ball security and simplified schemes to build the young signal-caller's confidence.[55] Bevell's Jaguars went 1-3 in his four outings, securing their lone victory in the season finale while struggling against divisional and playoff-bound foes. The team averaged 14.3 points per game under Bevell, reflecting ongoing offensive challenges but showing marginal improvements in turnover management compared to the Meyer's era. In a key adjustment, Bevell called plays himself in his debut but delegated those duties to quarterbacks coach Brian Schottenheimer for the remaining three contests, allowing him to oversee broader game management and provide on-field support for Lawrence, who threw for 1,028 yards with 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions during the stretch.[56] This shift aimed to tailor protections and route concepts to Lawrence's strengths, reducing pressure on the rookie amid a porous offensive line that allowed 12 sacks over the four games.| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Score | JAX Total Yards | Turnovers Given |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Dec 19 | Houston Texans | L | 16-30 | 296 | 0 |
| 16 | Dec 26 | New York Jets | L | 21-26 | 352 | 0 |
| 17 | Jan 2 | New England Patriots | L | 10-50 | 271 | 3 |
| 18 | Jan 9 | Indianapolis Colts | W | 26-11 | 380 | 1 |
Miami Dolphins
In February 2022, Darrell Bevell was hired by head coach Mike McDaniel to serve as the Miami Dolphins' quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator.[58] This role positioned him to focus on quarterback development and passing scheme integration within McDaniel's Shanahan-influenced offensive system, without assuming full offensive coordinator responsibilities, which remained with Frank Smith.[1] Bevell contributed to weekly game planning alongside McDaniel and the offensive staff, emphasizing refined passing concepts to enhance timing and accuracy.[59] Bevell played a key role in the development of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa from 2022 onward, helping elevate his performance amid the Dolphins' shift to a more dynamic offense. Under Bevell's guidance, Tagovailoa achieved significant improvements, including leading the NFL in completion percentage at 70.0% in 2022 and passing yards with 4,624 in 2023, while earning his first Pro Bowl selection for the 2023 season.[4] These advancements contributed to the Dolphins' playoff appearances in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, marking their first back-to-back postseason berths since 2001.[60] Tagovailoa's progress continued into 2024, with another strong season that solidified his role as a franchise cornerstone, though the team fell short of the playoffs.[61] As of November 17, 2025, Bevell continues in his positions with the Dolphins, who stand at 4-7 through eleven games amid offensive struggles including injuries and inconsistencies.[62] Under Bevell's coaching, Tagovailoa has posted 2,123 passing yards with a 68.3% completion rate through those games, reflecting a challenging year but building on prior gains in decision-making and pocket presence.[63] Earlier in the offseason, Bevell interviewed for offensive coordinator vacancies with teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and Cleveland Browns but ultimately chose to remain with Miami, prioritizing continuity in Tagovailoa's development.[64]Head coaching record
Detroit Lions
On November 28, 2020, following a 4-7 start to the season, the Detroit Lions fired head coach Matt Patricia and promoted offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell to interim head coach for the remaining five games.[45] Bevell, who had served as the Lions' offensive coordinator since 2019, compiled a 1-4 record during his stint, with the team earning a victory in his debut but falling short in the other contests.[46] He missed the Week 16 matchup due to COVID-19 protocols after being deemed a high-risk close contact, with wide receivers coach Robert Prince stepping in as interim for that game.[47] Bevell's games as interim head coach are summarized below, including points scored and allowed:| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Score (Lions - Opponent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Dec 6 | @ Chicago Bears | W | 34-30 |
| 14 | Dec 13 | vs. Green Bay Packers | L | 24-31 |
| 15 | Dec 20 | @ Tennessee Titans | L | 25-46 |
| 16 | Dec 26 | vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | L | 7-47 |
| 17 | Jan 3 | vs. Minnesota Vikings | L | 35-37 |
Jacksonville Jaguars
Following Urban Meyer's firing on December 16, 2021, after a 2-11 start to the season, offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell was promoted to interim head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars' final four games.[54] Bevell, who had joined the team as offensive coordinator earlier that year, aimed to stabilize the squad amid a tumultuous campaign marked by low scoring output and defensive vulnerabilities. His tenure focused on fostering team unity and supporting rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 overall pick, by emphasizing ball security and simplified schemes to build the young signal-caller's confidence.[55] Bevell's Jaguars went 1-3 in his four outings, securing their lone victory in the season finale while struggling against divisional and playoff-bound foes. The team averaged 18.3 points per game under Bevell, reflecting ongoing offensive challenges but showing marginal improvements in turnover management compared to the Meyer's era. In a key adjustment, Bevell called plays himself in his debut but delegated those duties to quarterbacks coach Brian Schottenheimer for the remaining three contests, allowing him to oversee broader game management and provide on-field support for Lawrence, who threw for 906 yards with 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions during the stretch.[56][66] This shift aimed to tailor protections and route concepts to Lawrence's strengths, reducing pressure on the rookie amid a porous offensive line that allowed 7 sacks over the four games.[66]| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Score | JAX Total Yards | Turnovers Given |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Dec 19 | vs. Houston Texans | L | 16-30 | 296 | 0 |
| 16 | Dec 26 | @ New York Jets | L | 21-26 | 384 | 1 |
| 17 | Jan 2 | @ New England Patriots | L | 10-50 | 253 | 3 |
| 18 | Jan 9 | vs. Indianapolis Colts | W | 26-11 | 318 | 0 |